Presbyterian moderator laments stalled peace process

The new moderator of the Presbyterian Church in the North has spoken of the despair felt by ordinary people as a result of the stalled peace process.

Speaking at his installation yesterday, the Rev Ken Newell said the wave of hope created by the Good Friday Agreement had given way to a “trough of despair”.

He blamed paramilitary groups for the situation and said the potential to make life better for everybody should be grasped before it was too late.

A group of Free Presbyterians led by DUP leader Ian Paisley protested outside Dr Newell’s installation ceremony because Archbishop Sean Brady, the leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland, had been invited to attend.